Sometines I blog about things we should care about... Sometimes I blog about things that you can ignore... I am what you might call a Desktop Activist. I love to share interesting articles that I come across from time to time.

My Other Blogs

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Foods that Boost Serotonin

by Sarah Harding, Contriubtor to Holistic Nutrition on Allthingshealing.comSerotonin plays an important role in regulating happiness, problem-solving and concentration. When the level of serotonin fluctuates, it can directly change an individual’s mood, sleep patterns, appetite, memory, ability to learn and comprehend, body temperature, heart performance and muscular functioning. A deficiency in serotonin is sometimes regulated with medication but consuming specific food items can boost the level of this chemical in the brain.Fruits that Increase SerotoninVarious fruits boost serotonin and other mood-improving chemicals in the brain. Plums, pineapple, bananas and sour cherries can directly influence serotonin production. Bananas contain high levels of a chemical called tryptophan. This chemical is converted to serotonin in the brain. Melatonin, a chemical known for improving sleep, is found in sour cherries.Serotonin Boost from Protein SourcesTurkey is another food known to contain high levels of tryptophan. Many people report feeling drowsy after eating turkey. The sleepiness following a large meal with turkey, such as the traditional Thanksgiving dinner, is somewhat due to tryptophan and serotonin but it is also due to eating a larger quantity of food. Other foods that can boost serotonin in the protein family include eggs, beef, wild fish and most animals that are free of growth-promoting hormones.Carbohydrate-based Foods that Increase SerotoninCarbohydrates can make a person feel full. Any grain or sugar-containing item is usually considered to be a carbohydrate source. When an individual feels the full sensation in the stomach, it can be rewarding in different ways. The person may feel satisfied because basic nourishment has been fulfilled, but the brain may also produce more serotonin as a result of the sugar and make up of the carbohydrate-based food. Examples of carbohydrate foods include pasta, bread and white potatoes. Dairy products consist of sugars that boost serotonin production. Examples include milk, Swiss cheese and cheddar cheese. The cheeses can increase other mood-boosting chemicals in the body having the same effect as an increase in serotonin.Sweet Treats Boost MoodEating a favored sweet treat, like dark chocolate, can increase mood not just because it is so well-liked but also because it increases serotonin levels in the brain. Some sugary snacks can lead to a dip in energy, causing the individual to feel sleepy instead of energized or happier. For the purpose of increasing serotonin, foods lower in sugar will have a more lasting effect.Things to ConsiderEvery individual will respond differently to various foods. The exact quantity of each food needed in order to increase serotonin has yet to be determined. Eating foods known to boost serotonin is not a recommended method of treatment for depression or other mood disorders associated with serotonin deficiencies. Instead, mood-boosting foods can be eaten during illness or other short-term events that cause a negative mood, fatigue, trouble concentrating and sleep problems.

My YouTube

Followers

Awareness Ribbon

Adopt! Don't shop

Barking Mad

CHOC South Africa

Providing direct practical help to children with cancer, from diagnosis on, recognising the inevitable disruption to family life when a child faces vigorous and often lengthy treatment.

Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

Committed to finding treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other neurological disorders, and improving the quality of life for people living with disabilities

Find the cure

Breast Cancer

IS Foundation

The Ian Somerhalder Foundation aims to educate, collaborate with and support people and organisations to turn conversation into real projects and progress to positively impact the planet and species habitat.

It Gets Better Project

The It Gets Better Project was created to show young LGBT people the levels of happiness, potential, and positivity their lives will reach – if they can just get through their teen years. The It Gets Better Project wants to remind teenagers in the LGBT community that they are not alone — and it WILL get better.

LOOK TO THE STARS

Love-A-Bull

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy

Out For Africa Blog

A documentary about Elephant Ivory and Rhino Horn poaching

Out For Africa Webpage

Kristin Bauer van Straten went to Africa to film a documentary telling the current story of the African wildlife and what we need to do to preserve it. This site tells their story and the message they will impart. Only together can we possibly do some good.

Pink Bracelet Fund

The charity produces pink bracelets inscribed with a famous Melissa quote “Be Strong” in support of those suffering from the disease.

Pitbull Awareness Coalition

Understanding a breed that is Misidentified, Misjudged and Misunderstood

Report Animal Abuse

Rhino Conservation

Save a Rhino, hunt the poacher

Save the Rhino

Save the Rhino International works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos in Africa and Asia. They recognise that the future of wildlife is inextricably linked to the communities that share its habitat.

SPCA International

The mission of SPCA (Society For The Prevention of Cruelty To Animals) International is to raise awareness of the abuse of animals to a global level, to teach and foster good pet parenting policies, and to promote spay and neuter programs around the world with the goal of eradicating the need to euthanize healthy and adoptable companion animals of all ages.

The Humane Society

The Humane Society of the United States works to celebrate animals and confront cruelty.

Warriors in Pink

Warriors in Pink is a special initiative established by Ford Motors to raise awareness of breast cancer. Proceeds from their events go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

World Wide Fund For Nature

Working to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature